Previously… After Val’s date with Ryan, she literally bumped in Marcus on the street and he took her to a very cool place. Now she must decide if she wants to stay on Earth or leave.

Episode 18

Val slowly made her way up to her apartment. She had to admit that the Papa’s Pizza place Marcus showed her was interesting. She certainly wouldn’t see anything like that on her home planet. Val found Marcus to be a nice guy, once again certainly different from any male on her planet. She smiled, pleased that she found some redeeming factors on Earth. But now, Val’s work was mostly done. She would stay a few more days, gather data and then return home.”

Val walked into the living room, plopped down on the couch and kicked off her shoes. “Amber I will wrap up my mission in the next day, two tops and then return home.”

“I’ve been thinking….” Amber said over their telepathic communication device. Val was tempted to take off the earring that allowed Amber to balk in her ear but Val knew she would eventually have to put it back on. If that were the case Amber would be even more ornery than normal.

“What have you been thinking, Amber?”

“I want you to return now. No more field study for you!” Val ordered.

“Wait? What?”

“I’ve concluded Earth is too much stress for you. Yes, you trained and prepared but nothing could prepare you for the actual trip and actually interacting with earth people.”

“They aren’t that bad, Amber. In fact they are quite interesting…”

“Exactly, that’s what I’m worried about,” Amber said slowly and calmly. In fact it was the calmest Val had ever heard her. “Your job was to study Earth humans not to become actually attracted to one…”

Val shook her head even though Amber couldn’t see her over their telepathic link. “Attracted? What? No…I find Marcus interesting and that’s all!” Val repeated.

“Activate the holographic communicator,” Amber ordered. “I want you to see me roll my eyes. Besides, I never said Marcus. Wasn’t your date with Ryan?”

“Oh, I meant…I’m just exhausted,” Val insisted. “Besides I told you I’m coming back in a few days once I complete my mission.”

“Look Val, you can deny it all you want, but I’m here listening to your words and reading your bio feedback. You are growing attached to one of your subjects. It’s like if an Earth scientist had emotional feelings towards a lab monkey. I’m pulling you out now.”

“They are not monkeys!” Val said sharply.

“You’re angry,” Amber noted. “You wouldn’t be angry if I wasn’t right.” Amber paused. “Besides they do share a very high percentage of their DNA with monkeys…”

Val took note of Amber’s words and her own body position. She had leaned forward, her fists clinched, her body tense. Amber had a point. Val took a deep breath and sank back into the couch. “You’re right…” she sighed.

“Of course I’m right,” Amber said. “That’s why I want to pull you out now before you grow even more attached to the male and that planet.”

Val shook her head in frustration. “No. I am not getting attached. At least not in the way you think. I just believe I have found some redeeming qualities of these Earthlings and maybe it is information we can use. She could feel Amber rolling her eyes again.

Val felt a vibration in her pocket. At first she had no idea what that feeling was until she remember she had acquired a cell phone. She pulled out her phone and looked at the caller ID: It was Zeke from the diner. “Hold on a minute. I have a call”, she thought to Amber. She heard Amber start to object but removed the earpiece to answer Zeke’s call.

“Hello, this is Val.” “Hey Val… Zeke. Listen I know you just started but one of the girls called out tomorrow and I’m short. I know you are already working the lunch shift but breakfast is a zoo and I could really use your help. Can you work a double tomorrow?”

Val liked Zeke and her new friends at the diner. And she could sense the urgency in his voice. She definitely wanted to help. After all, he took a chance on her. But Amber was demanding and Val wanted to prove she wasn’t getting attached to humans. She was torn. Vote below or enter your own comments about what happens next. If reading in email click Take our Poll or Comments.